We talked in the previous issue about frequent injuries in runners. In this “we go to the courts” since in the clinic we also serve racket or paddle athletes of different levels who come, in most cases, with dysfunctions or injuries in the upper limb.

In this case, the shoulder and elbow joints are the most damaged and sometimes prevent us from enjoying the exercise or force us to suspend its practice for some time..

Below we define the most common shoulder injuries., such as impigment and rotator cuff tendinopathy to end the star injury of this type of sports practice., Lateral Epicondylálgia or “tennis elbow”.

Impingement is usually caused by a decrease in the space between the humerus and the acromion..

It may be due to a problem with the rotator cuff tendons., which thickens so that when we move the arm and the tendon is inflamed or thickened, the space is reduced and creates pain. These patients present pain on palpation of the tendon area.

But it can also be created by poor coordination of the shoulder muscles., which causes abnormal movement of the humerus and scapula, also causing a decrease in the space mentioned and creating pain.

Usually caused by an abnormal position of the humerus, patients have problems with overhead activities, comb your hair, get dressed, hang the clothes, anything that involves raising the arm above 100-120 degrees, (because the space closes and the pain appears). It also occurs in activities that require putting your hand behind your back, such as in the case of women to fasten their bra..

The most common causes of cuff tendinopathy are overuse, for example an athlete, pitchers or paddle and tennis players or for a new non-dosed use. Performing an activity that requires overexertion of the shoulder muscles can also create a problem for the cuff tendon..

In chronic cases of tendinopathy we can observe calcifications in the tendon, which will also create Impingement and we can address them from physiotherapy.

Although these injuries are usually associated with movement, how are we reading, During rest they also have pain if they sleep on the side of the painful shoulder.

Epicondylálgia is a musculoskeletal disorder characterized by pain (deep, pulsatile, spontaneous) located on the lateral part of the elbow that can extend to the forearm and wrist.

The main physical impediment is a deficit in grip strength (closing of the hand as when picking up the paddle or racket, or when performing activities such as wringing a cloth or tightening a screw) due to pain leading to a deficit in motor function (difficulty in carrying out sports tasks or activities such as those indicated above). Painful symptoms in the shoulder and neck are also sometimes described..

It usually appears gradually, Triggered by repetitive micro-traumas, which may include performing sports gestures with a paddle or racket..

On physical examination we also found pain on palpation in this lateral area of ​​the elbow., as well as when we ask for a resisted static contraction or stretching of the wrist and finger extensors..

In our exploration we will look for movement limitations, muscle weakness and / or alteration in the coordination of movement.

The therapeutic approach to these injuries is based on a good diagnosis for which we have the opinions of the multidisciplinary team in case they reach us., imaging tests and most importantly, what the patient tells us. Subsequently, we carry out a physical examination in which we may include an ultrasound study to assess the state of the injured tissues.. We will finish establishing our physiotherapy diagnosis through manual therapy.

In treatment it is very important to assess the muscles, in order to carry out a re-education of it, strengthen weak muscles to normalize the movement of our arm and our scapula. It will also be important in the treatment of these pathologies to assess and treat, in case of need, the cervical and dorsal regions since they are contributing factors to this type of problems.

The treatment will be carried out through invasive techniques using Percutaneous Intratissue Electrolysis. (EPI) ecoguided, or dry needling due to the good results we obtain with them, although sometimes we will not apply them if we deem it appropriate due to the state of the injury or the characteristics and preferences of our patient..

Manual Therapy is included in the treatment to normalize soft tissue and regain movement and function.

As usual and our goal being the autonomy of our patients, Once the treatment has been carried out in the clinic, the part in which they maintain and improve the results of the physiotherapy will be important through performing the exercises and following the advice agreed upon between the physiotherapist and the patient in order to achieve the objectives that we set for ourselves..

In sport, the correct execution of the sporting gesture is critical when it comes to finding effectiveness., efficiency and safety and thus be able to enjoy the activity that we like the most.

That is why we can introduce some tips for both prevention and recovery from injuries when there is an alteration in the coordination of movement that may be perpetuated by the incorrect use of paddles or rackets., amount of exercise or progressions thereof, for which we will have the advice of experts on these topics since, as we said at the beginning, Multidisciplinary work is key to achieving our main objective, which is the health of our patients..

If you identify with these sports and some of these injuries cause you problems or you think they may be starting to set in, Do not hesitate to visit us directly at the clinic or through our website.

And continue enjoying through the game on the court!!